Bovington: Tank museum 'cold war history week' Mon 18th - Fri 22 May

Credit: Tankmuseum

Climb inside the iconic Chieftain tank and learn about Cold War history with guided tours and hands-on object handling to mark National Cold War Heritage Week.

The national week is an initiative led by The Cold War Network, which brings together historic sites and museums across the UK to explore one of the most significant periods of modern history.

The Museum will be running activities from 18–22 May 2026 and visitors can pre-book a tour inside the Chieftain, Britain’s main battle tank during the Cold War, and discover what life was like for the crews who served in them.

Credit: Tankmuseum

Alongside this, visitors can get hands-on with original Cold War equipment, including ration packs, protective clothing, crew kit, and authentic Chieftain ammunition.

Nicola Burgess, Education and Experience Manager, said, “Being part of National Cold War Heritage Week gives us a great opportunity to explore an important period of modern history in a way that’s engaging for families and visitors of all ages. Cold War Week allows people to step beyond the exhibition boards and experience this history first-hand, by climbing inside the Chieftain tank and handling real objects used by crews during the period.”

Click HERE to see the whole Cold War Week programme, book in advance and save 20%. Pre-booking is essential for the Chieftain Tour: 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Northern Ireland: Veterans Support NI (AAVS) Veterans Breakfast - Saturday 16th May

 

AAVS VETERANS BREAKFAST
Veterans’ Breakfast in Partnership with the Ledley Hall
Date: Saturday, 16th May 2026
Time: 09:00 – 11:30
Location: Ledley Hall Youth and Boxing Club (Just off the Beersbridge Rd, East Belfast)
Join us for a FREE cooked breakfast and a brew.

Enjoy great camaraderie, banter, and the chance to connect with support services available for veterans.

For more details, check out the poster below for contact details:

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Army Reserve Engagement and Open Day - Sunday 17th May

 

Come and meet the Employer Engagement Team along with Reservists from 152 (North Irish) Regiment RLC, 206 (Ulster) Battery RA and B (North Irish Horse) Squadron for an ARMY RESERVE ENGAGEMENT AND OPEN DAY on Sunday 17 May from 1000 to 1300 hours.

See the newly refurbished facilities and find out from the Reservists themselves, what it means to be a part of these three exciting units, based in Coleraine Army Reserve Centre.

Everyone is welcome (with photo ID)

Information provided by HIVE NI

Dunfermline: Help for Heroes Community Cafe, Tuesday 12th May 1100-1230

Missing the feeling of community? We get it and so do the rest of our veterans and families who come along. Join us for a brew and a chat. No sign up required, just rock up, no fuss. If you know another veteran or family member who could use a bit of the same, bring them along too! Suitable for veterans and family members, led by the Help for Heroes team

Help for Heroes Cafes are informal, relaxed events where you can meet and enjoy time with other veterans and families. It could be anything from a coffee morning or veteran hub to a veteran-led group. These welcoming events run across the UK and are open to all members of the Armed Forces community.

It's an easy way to dip your toes back into the water and feel like part of a community again. There's no need to book, just turn up and say hello. First brew is on us.

For any information, please contact us at CommunityDT@helpforheroes.org.uk

Costa Coffee,
Fife Leisure Park,
1 Whimbrell Place,
Dunfermline,
Fife,
KY11 8EX

Next cafe Tues 9th June

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Bovington: Garrison weekly fitness sessions - child friendly

For more information click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Camp Bestival 2026 at Lulworth castle Thurs 30th July - Sun 2nd Aug

Image: Campbestival

The iconic Fatboy Slim marks his much-anticipated return to the festival on the Sunday with the very first Fatboy Slim & Friends All Day Castle Stage takeover: a day of non-stop, feel-good-vibes with surprise special guests, including hip hop royalty De La Soul.

Meanwhile rapper and producer Example will warm up for British chart-toppers, Bastille on Saturday evening, and Fearless pop icon and cultural force Self Esteem takes to the stage on Friday night with living legend Billy Ocean.

Click on poster above to enlarge 

For more information, details on full line up, family/children's entertainment, activities, etc 

click HERE

For tickets, click HERE 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Bovington: Growing together baby group sessions Tues 12th & 19th May

 

Click on poster above to enlarge

Bovington children's centre is situated beside Bovington academy school, Holt Rd.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Tank museum 'quiet morning' session - Sat 16th May

Join us for a quiet morning aimed at anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to The Tank Museum. From 09:30-11:00 all sounds, and interactives will be turned off to reduce sensory input.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families of children with autism; young people and adults with autism; children with social, emotional, or mental health needs; adults living with dementia and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience.

At 1100 sounds will be switched back on, but visitors are welcome to remain in the Museum for as long as they like.

Sensory backpacks can be borrowed from main admissions free of charge. Backpacks include ear defenders, magnifying glass, book, squeezy toy, torch, periscope, and Commander Basil bear.

Future dates for quiet mornings:

Sat 19th Sep
Sat 5th Dec

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Blandford: The ultimate tribute night - Sat 16th May

 

One stage. Three superstars. The ultimate tribute show! Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga & Dua Lipa.
Join us in the Grade I Listed Corn Exchange for a night of stunning costume changes, high-energy choreography, and sensational live vocals.

All ages are welcome, with children under 14 to be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets £12.50

More details HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison shuttle bus service to Blandford town

 

Click on poster above to enlarge.

Please see below for estimated timetable, please allow enough time to ensure that you do not miss the Bus.

Pick Up	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Drop off only
Pass Gate House for Security Clearance	0930	1015	1110	1230	1325	1420
South Cresent/Racedown Road (either bus shelter)	0935	1020	1115	1235	1330	1425
Gunville Down Road (either bus shelter)	0940	1025	1120	1240	1335	1430
Ashley Wood Road (opposite bus shelter) [Officer's Quarters]	0945	1030	1125	1245	1340	1435
Black Lane	0950	1035	1130	1250	1345	1440
Drop Off
M&S Foodhall (Car Park, end of Nightingale Court walk-through)	0955*	1040*	1135*	1255*	1350*	-
East Street/Market Place Bus Stop [Drop-off only]	1000	1045	1140	1300	1355	-
Arrive Tesco Supermarket (ATM pull-in)	1005*	1050	1145*	1305	1400	-
Return Journey
Depart Tesco Supermarket (ATM pull-in)	-	1055	1215	1310	1405	-
The Ham Bus Stop (Morrisons Car Park) [Pick-up only]	-	1100	1220	1315	1410	-
M&S Foodhall (Car Park, end of Nightingale Court walk-through)	-	1105	1225	1320	1415	-
	*Drop-off by request

This service will run every Tuesday up to and including 22 December.
Pilot Funded by Dorset Council. Service operated by Dorset Community Transport.

If you need any further clarification, please email blandfordgar-bgsuwelfare@mod.gov.uk.

NOTE: Anyone travelling into town on final run (1330/1340/1345 Camp pick-ups) will need to make their own way back.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE via Blandford BGSU welfare office.